What do you do when your resume isn't working?
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to review scores of resumes while providing free critiques at a local job fair. I was saddened to see that so many jobseekers have a difficult time selling themselves on paper. When jobs disappear and retirement funds are obliterated in the stock market your resume becomes the most important financial document that you have.
Your resume is your lifeline back into the world of employment, however the majority of Americans try to write their resumes on their own. This attempt to save money often results in extended periods of unnecessary unemployment proving more costly than seeking the help of an expert.
If your resume isn't working and the phone isn't ringing; it isn't because there are no jobs. It is because other candidates were better able to articulate their skill sets and experience to the hiring manager for the few jobs that are there. This has become an employers market where only the fittest job seekers will survive.
A great resume requires that you show within the first 1/3 of the first page supported information documenting that you are the best candidate for the position. You must quantify your accomplishments showing both the previous level of your responsibility, as well as your level of success.
Industry related keywords are imperative. Employers today expect you to apply online and upload your resume into their vast database of candidates. They then scan for these keywords and the more "hits" that they receive the more likely it is that your resume will be printed and reach the hands of the hiring manager.
If in doubt how best to sell yourself to ensure that you standout from your competition, it is important to seek professional help. Remember, your career professional knows how to sell your skills and experience to the hiring manager. They are also experts at tapping the hidden job market.
The biggest mistake most jobseekers make is waiting too long to seek the help of a professional. They often wait until they can no longer afford to seek assistance. A successful job search requires that you have both the experience and the best means of articulating your skills and experience to the hiring manager.
Your resume is your lifeline back into the world of employment, however the majority of Americans try to write their resumes on their own. This attempt to save money often results in extended periods of unnecessary unemployment proving more costly than seeking the help of an expert.
If your resume isn't working and the phone isn't ringing; it isn't because there are no jobs. It is because other candidates were better able to articulate their skill sets and experience to the hiring manager for the few jobs that are there. This has become an employers market where only the fittest job seekers will survive.
A great resume requires that you show within the first 1/3 of the first page supported information documenting that you are the best candidate for the position. You must quantify your accomplishments showing both the previous level of your responsibility, as well as your level of success.
Industry related keywords are imperative. Employers today expect you to apply online and upload your resume into their vast database of candidates. They then scan for these keywords and the more "hits" that they receive the more likely it is that your resume will be printed and reach the hands of the hiring manager.
If in doubt how best to sell yourself to ensure that you standout from your competition, it is important to seek professional help. Remember, your career professional knows how to sell your skills and experience to the hiring manager. They are also experts at tapping the hidden job market.
The biggest mistake most jobseekers make is waiting too long to seek the help of a professional. They often wait until they can no longer afford to seek assistance. A successful job search requires that you have both the experience and the best means of articulating your skills and experience to the hiring manager.
Posted by Angie Jones at 3/11/2009 8:12 AM 
Categories: Resume Writing, Job Search
Tags: resume doesn't work resume isn't working industry related keywords are imperative
Categories: Resume Writing, Job Search
Tags: resume doesn't work resume isn't working industry related keywords are imperative
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